J: 想做的事多了，但做好的事少了，有时觉得自己能办到的，但更多时候却是“有心无力”的状况… 该放下？还是持续？有时很迷惑，别说方向，连自己也找不到。怎么办呢？我相信其实每个人都有无穷待开发的力量，只是… 只是… 易发愿，却难持续，怎么办？:'(
S: How about finding your passion, and focusing on it as much as you can? Where there is passion, there is 心 and 力. No need to give up a passion if it is not against the Dharma. Take a break if needed, but no need to stop for good. The tricky part is it can take time to discover a true passion. And a true passion does not mean things will be easy. There are obstacles at times. This is where the passion needs to be nurtured to drive you on. Amituofo
A: If it’s always done with an intention for the benefit of others, the tiredness will be dissolve by joyful efforts and contentment. Of course, we do what we can within our means:) Perhaps like what Shi’an said to find the focus:)
S: Well said! The reason why the great Bodhisattvas never tire is because they do what they do for others, with no sense of self – pure altruism that is sustained by rejoice in their efforts and those of others. That’s why we emulate them as the best examples to go towards. And because there are so many unenlightened beings, they have no reason to give up. I mentioned earlier that a passion that is not against the Dharma is an okay passion. But a passion that is totally aligned with the Dharma is the best! This kind of PASSION is… COMPASSION! Amituofo
J: I’m a bit wary of the word “Passion”, as I’ve seen people starting with great passion, like a torch of fire furiously burning away, only to end up like a burnt-out matchstick. I like the word “Compassion”, for it’s more like a candle burning yet lighting the darkness, and while appearing small, is able to light up others as well. Sometimes I do get pretty down, but the period I’m down is getting shorter (I hope), as I often feel “energised” when I realised there’s so much I can do. I guess in a way, like what Aki Yeo said, when I think of myself, I get tired thinking of all the possible problems & difficulties ahead; when I think of others, I get energised realising all that I can do along the way. I think too much, tots & words often suck up my energy that could be of better use. Presently I feel like a ball bouncing away from moment to moment.
S: Words are tricky. ‘Passion’ is okay but being under-passionate and over-passionate is not. Passion does not have to be frenzied energy in the moment that fizzles out quickly. It can be sustainable. The Buddha-to-be was spiritually passionate about his quest for enlightenment, and realised his life in palace did not fuel this passion. But he was almost over-passionate about extreme practices later. However, he was able to regulate his passion (drive for enlightenment based on compassion for all) and walk the Middle Path in time.
No need to think about problems ahead too much. Just solve them as they come. If what to be accomplished is worth it, then the problems along the way are worth the trouble too. The obstacles are part of the path. Like in mountain climbing, even occasional valleys are ultimately part of the way up.
On feeling like a ball bounced around, the truth is, we control how fast this happens and where we bounce to. I realised this the hard way through an actual ball game. Here is what happened… See ‘A Ball Game Called Life’ at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheDailyEnlightenment/message/590 Amituofo